Lately I feel as if not a single day goes by that I dont say to at least one of my children, What were you thinking? I swear it feels as if it is my mantra – in a one week period I found myself saying it at least once to each of my children.

Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult things we face in life. I have read every book and article I have been able to find on the grief process thinking maybe it would help me understand the process or suddenly make it easier.

I was sitting in the doctors office waiting for my turn when I happened to see an old copy of PEOPLE Magazine’s Most Beautiful People issue. Without even looking through it I could guess who would be in it: Channing Tatum, Angelina Jolie, Ryan Gosling and Megan Fox just to name a few.

I learned a lot about politics this year while working in the newsroom during the election period. I got a glimpse of the good and the bad, the honesty and downright dishonesty that comes from people trying to gain power.